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Heat Advisory Across Bay Area as Triple-Digit Temperatures Loom

Temperatures across the Bay Area are expected to soar to dangerous levels through at least Monday, with most of the inland valley bracing for triple-digit temperatures. Jean Elle reports. (Published Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017)

The dog days of summer are upon us.

Temperatures across the Bay Area are expected to soar to dangerous levels through at least Monday, with most of the inland valley bracing for triple-digit temperatures.

Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories will be in effect from Thursday afternoon through Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service. A red flag warning will also be issued between 9 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. Saturday due to hot and dry conditions and northerly wind gusts.

On Friday, forecasters expect Fairfield to reach 112 degrees Fahrenheit, Concord 113, San Jose 101, Santa Cruz 91, Half Moon Bay 86 and San Francisco 84 . At 115 degrees, Livermore will tie its all-time record that was set in 1950, the National Weather Service said.

The biggest concern is for children under 4 years of age and adults over 65, he said. Heat-related health problems can start subtly with cramps and fatigue, but progress to heat exhaustion, with copious amounts of sweating, headaches and nausea. The worst condition is heat stroke, which can bring on seizures and a complete shut down of the body, he said.

Bay Area Schools Take Precautions to Keep Students Safe During Heat Wave

Schools in the Bay Area are taking numerous steps to keep students safe, including calling off track practices or asking athletes to run in the early morning hours. Some districts will also provide ice and bottled water at all their schools, while others have installed A/C units or are scrambling to find portable ones. Bob Redell reports.

(Published Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017)

Schools in the Bay Area are also taking numerous precautions to keep students safe during this heat wave, including calling off track practices or asking athletes to run in the early morning hours. Some districts will also provide ice and bottled water at all their schools, while others have installed A/C units or are scrambling to find portable ones.

Meanwhile, Spare the Air alerts have been issued in the Bay Area for Thursday and Friday because hot temperatures, light wind and vehicle exhaust are expected to combine to create unhealthy smog levels, regional air quality officials said.

The alerts, the 10th and 11th issued so far for smog in 2017, are because of particularly unhealthy ozone levels expected in the South Bay and East Bay, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

"Extreme heat starting late this week is expected to cause unhealthy air quality in the Bay Area likely through the Labor Day weekend," air district executive officer Jack Broadbent said in a statement.

Stay in air-conditioned areas, including malls, libraries, movie theaters and community centers

Cool off by taking a bath or shower.

Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing

Do not bundle babies or put them in blankets or heavy clothing.

Cover your head with wide-brimmed, vented hats or use umbrellas

Wear sunglasses and sunscreen

Rest in shady areas

Additional tips for people who work outdoors:

Ensure that cool drinking water is available.

Drink water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks often; do not wait until you are thirsty.

Avoid drinking sweetened drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.

Avoid drinking extremely cold water as this is more likely to cause cramps.

Allow athletes or outdoor workers to take frequent rests.

Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions:

During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as cooling centers, shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool.

Older adults and those on certain medications may not exhibit signs of dehydration until several hours after dehydration sets in. Stay hydrated by frequently drinking cool water. If you’re on a special diet that limits liquids, check with your doctor for information on the amount of water to consume.

Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect against sun damage. And remember to use sun screen and to wear sunglasses.

Infants and Children:

It is illegal to leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle (California Vehicle Code Section 15620).

Infants and young children can get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure they are given plenty of cool water to drink.

Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible.

Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing.

Pets:

Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows cracked or open.

Outdoor animals should be given plenty of shade and clean drinking water.

Do not leave pets outside in the sun.

Pets should not be left in a garage as garages can get very hot due to lack of ventilation and insulation.